Tirosint (levothyroxine sodium) capsule
Summary about Tirosint
Tirosint (levothyroxine sodium) capsules for oral use is a prescription, man-made thyroid hormone that is used to treat a condition called hypothyroidism. Tirosint capsules contain synthetic L-3,3′,5,5′-tetraiodothyronine sodium salt [levothyroxine (T4) sodium] as an active ingredient. Synthetic T4 is chemically identical to the hormone produced in the human thyroid gland.
Tirosint is a hormone medication that is used to treat hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. It is administered to replace or provide more of the thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Once you have been prescribed Tirosint, you will need to take it every day as your doctor directs.
Most medications used to treat hypothyroidism are tablets. In addition to levothyroxine, they contain a variety of excipients (inert ingredients) such as wheat starch (gluten), lactose, sugars, dyes and talc. These can sometimes cause irritation or make it harder for your body to absorb your thyroid medicine. The unique formulation of Tirosint in the from of capsules helps to avoid these problems.
Tirosint is indicated for adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older with:
- Hypothyroidism – As replacement therapy in primary (thyroidal), secondary (pituitary), and tertiary (hypothalamic) congenital or acquired hypothyroidism
- Pituitary Thyrotropin (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, TSH) Suppression – As an adjunct to surgery and radioiodine therapy in the management of thyrotropin-dependent well-differentiated thyroid cancer.
Limitations of Use:
- Not indicated for suppression of benign thyroid nodules and nontoxic diffuse goiter in iodine-sufficient patients.
- Not indicated for treatment of transient hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis.
Tirosint is available in the form of capsules in following doses: 13, 25, 50, 75, 88, 100, 112, 125, 137, 150, 175, 200 mcg.
Thyroid hormones, including Tirosint, should never be be used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss. Doses beyond the range of daily hormonal requirements may produce serious or even life threatening manifestations of toxicity.
Some warnings and preacautions during Tirosint use include:
- Cardiac adverse reactions in the elderly and in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease: Initiate Tirosint at less than the full replacement dose because of the increased risk of cardiac adverse reactions, including atrial fibrillation.
- Myxedema coma: Do not use oral thyroid hormone drug products to treat myxedema coma.
- Acute adrenal crisis in patients with concomitant adrenal insufficiency: Treat with replacement glucocorticoids prior to initiation of Tirosint treatment.
- Prevention of hyperthyroidism or incomplete treatment of hypothyroidism: Proper dose titration and careful monitoring is critical to prevent the persistence of hypothyroidism or the development of hyperthyroidism.
- Worsening of diabetic control: Therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus may worsen glycemic control and result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Carefully monitor glycemic control after starting, changing, or discontinuing thyroid hormone therapy.
- Decreased bone mineral density associated with thyroid hormone overreplacement: Over-replacement can increase bone resorption and decrease bone mineral density. Give the lowest effective dose.
Adverse reactions associated with Tirosint are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage including: arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, dyspnea, muscle spasm, headache, nervousness, irritability, insomnia, tremors, muscle weakness, increased appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, heat intolerance, menstrual irregularities, and skin rash.
Tirosint (levothyroxine sodium) |
|
Active Ingredient |
Levothyroxine sodium |
Administration Route |
Capsules for oral use |
Alcohol Warning |
There is no interaction between alcohol and levothyroxine sodium |
Available Strength |
Capsules: 13, 25, 50, 75, 88, 100, 112, 125, 137, 150, 175, 200 mcg. |
Breastfeeding Warning |
Although levothyroxine sodium is excreted into human milk, use is considered acceptable.
-Levothyroxine (T4) is a normal component of human milk; limited data on exogenous replacement doses during breastfeeding have not shown an adverse effect in nursing infants. |
Clinical Pharmacology |
Pharmacodynamics
Oral levothyroxine sodium is a synthetic T4 hormone that exerts the same physiologic effect as endogenous T4, thereby maintaining normal T4 levels when a deficiency is present. Pharmacokinetics Absorption Absorption of orally administered T4 from the gastrointestinal tract ranges from 40% to 80%. The majority of the TIROSINT dose is absorbed from the jejunum and upper ileum. The relative bioavailability of TIROSINT tablets, compared to an equal nominal dose of oral levothyroxine sodium solution, is approximately 93%. T4 absorption is increased by fasting, and decreased in malabsorption syndromes and by certain foods such as soybeans. Dietary fiber decreases bioavailability of T4. Absorption may also decrease with age. In addition, many drugs and foods affect T4 absorption. Distribution Circulating thyroid hormones are greater than 99% bound to plasma proteins, including thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), thyroxine-binding prealbumin (TBPA), and albumin (TBA), whose capacities and affinities vary for each hormone. The higher affinity of both TBG and TBPA for T4 partially explains the higher serum levels, slower metabolic clearance, and longer half-life of T4 compared to T3. Protein-bound thyroid hormones exist in reverse equilibrium with small amounts of free hormone. Only unbound hormone is metabolically active. Many drugs and physiologic conditions affect the binding of thyroid hormones to serum proteins. Thyroid hormones do not readily cross the placental barrier. Elimination Metabolism T4 is slowly eliminated. The major pathway of thyroid hormone metabolism is through sequential deiodination. Approximately 80% of circulating T3 is derived from peripheral T4 by monodeiodination. The liver is the major site of degradation for both T4 and T3, with T4 deiodination also occurring at a number of additional sites, including the kidney and other tissues. Approximately 80% of the daily dose of T4 is deiodinated to yield equal amounts of T3 and reverse T3 (rT3). T3 and rT3 are further deiodinated to diiodothyronine. Thyroid hormones are also metabolized via conjugation with glucuronides and sulfates and excreted directly into the bile and gut where they undergo enterohepatic recirculation. Excretion Thyroid hormones are primarily eliminated by the kidneys. A portion of the conjugated hormone reaches the colon unchanged and is eliminated in the feces. Approximately 20% of T4 is eliminated in the stool. Urinary excretion of T4 decreases with age. |
Cost |
Approximate Price
from https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/Tirosint oral tablet: 13 mcg (28 ea): from $133.30 25 mcg (28 ea): from $133.30 50 mcg (28 ea): from $133.30 75 mcg (28 ea): from $133.30 88 mcg (28 ea): from $133.30 100 mcg (28 ea): from $133.30 112 mcg (28 ea): from $133.30 125 mcg (28 ea): from $133.30 137 mcg (28 ea): from $133.30 150 mcg (28 ea): from $133.30 175 mcg (28 ea): from $142.22 200 mcg (28 ea): from $142.22 |
Dosage Form |
Oral tablet |
Dose Schedule |
Administer once daily, preferably on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before breakfast.
Administer at least 4 hours before or after drugs that are known to interfere with absorption. Evaluate the need for dose adjustments when regularly administering within one hour of certain foods that may affect absorption. Starting dose depends on a variety of factors, including age, body weight, cardiovascular status, and concomitant medications. Peak therapeutic effect may not be attained for 4-6 weeks. Adequacy of therapy determined with periodic monitoring of TSH and/or T4 as well as clinical status. |
Drug Class |
H03AA — Thyroid hormones |
Drug Unit |
mcg |
Food Warning |
Consumption of certain foods may affect TIROSINT absorption thereby necessitating adjustments in dosing. Soybean flour, cottonseed meal, walnuts, and dietary fiber may bind and decrease the absorption of TIROSINT from the gastrointestinal tract. Grapefruit juice may delay the absorption of levothyroxine and reduce its bioavailability. |
Included In
|
Tirosint is covered by 89% of insurance plans at a co-pay of $12.50-$42.50, however, some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower. The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of Tirosint is around $19.28, 90% off the average retail price of $210.46. |
Interacting Drugs |
Drugs That May Decrease T4 Absorption (Hypothyroidism)
Calcium Carbonate and Ferrous Sulfate: Calcium carbonate may form an insoluble chelate with levothyroxine, and ferrous sulfate likely forms a ferricthyroxine complex. Administer TIROSINT at least 4 hours apart from these agents. Orlistat: Monitor patients treated concomitantly with orlistat and TIROSINT for changes in thyroid function. Bile Acid Sequestrants (Colesevelam, Cholestyramine, Colestipol) and Ion Exchange Resins (Kayexalate, Sevelamer): Bile acid sequestrants and ion exchange resins are known to decrease levothyroxine absorption. Administer TIROSINT at least 4 hours prior to these drugs or monitor TSH levels. Proton Pump Inhibitors, Sucralfate, Antacids, Aluminum & Magnesium Hydroxides and Simethicone: Gastric acidity is an essential requirement for adequate absorption of levothyroxine. Sucralfate, antacids and proton pump inhibitors may cause hypochlorhydria, affect intragastric pH, and reduce levothyroxine absorption. Monitor patients appropriately. Drugs That May Alter T4 and Triiodothyronine (T3) Serum Transport Without Affecting Free Thyroxine (FT4) Concentration (Euthyroidism) Clofibrate, Estrogen-containing oral contraceptives, Estrogens (oral), Heroin / Methadone, 5-Fluorouracil, Mitotane, Tamoxifen: These drugs may increase serum thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) concentration. Androgens/Anabolics, Steroids, Asparaginase, Glucocorticoids, Slow-Release, Nicotinic Acid: These drugs may decrease serum TBG concentration. Potential impact: Administration of these agents with TIROSINT results in an initial transient increase in FT4. Continued administration results in a decrease in serum T4 and normal FT4 and TSH concentrations. Salicylates (> 2 g/day): Salicylates inhibit binding of T4 and T3 to TBG and transthyretin. An initial increase in serum FT4 is followed by return of FT4 to normal levels with sustained therapeutic serum salicylate concentrations, although total T4 levels may decrease by as much as 30%. Carbamazepine. Furosemide (> 80 mg IV), Heparin, Hydantoins, Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Fenamates: These drugs may cause protein-binding site displacement. Furosemide has been shown to inhibit the protein binding of T4 to TBG and albumin, causing an increase free T4 fraction in serum. Furosemide competes for T4-binding sites on TBG, prealbumin, and albumin, so that a single high dose can acutely lower the total T4 level. Phenytoin and carbamazepine reduce serum protein binding of levothyroxine, and total and free T4 may be reduced by 20% to 40%, but most patients have normal serum TSH levels and are clinically euthyroid. Closely monitor thyroid hormone parameters. Drugs That May Alter Hepatic Metabolism of T4 (Hypothyroidism) Phenobarbital, Rifampin: Phenobarbital has been shown to reduce the response to thyroxine. Phenobarbital increases L-thyroxine metabolism by inducing uridine 5’-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) and leads to a lower T4 serum levels. Changes in thyroid status may occur if barbiturates are added or withdrawn from patients being treated for hypothyroidism. Rifampin has been shown to accelerate the metabolism of levothyroxine. Drugs That May Decrease Conversion of T4 to T3 Beta-adrenergic antagonists (e.g., Propranolol > 160 mg/day): In patients treated with large doses of propranolol (> 160 mg/day), T3 and T4 levels change, TSH levels remain normal, and patients are clinically euthyroid. Actions of particular beta-adrenergic antagonists may be impaired when a hypothyroid patient is converted to the euthyroid state. Glucocorticoids (e.g., Dexamethasone > 4 mg/day): Short-term administration of large doses of glucocorticoids may decrease serum T3 concentrations by 30% with minimal change in serum T4 levels. However, long-term glucocorticoid therapy may result in slightly decreased T3 and T4 levels due to decreased TBG production. Other drugs: Amiodarone Amiodarone inhibits peripheral conversion of levothyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) and may cause isolated biochemical changes (increase in serum free-T4, and decreased or normal free-T3) in clinically euthyroid patients. Antidiabetic Therapy Addition of TIROSINT therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus may worsen glycemic control and result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Carefully monitor glycemic control, especially when thyroid therapy is started, changed, or discontinued. Oral Anticoagulants TIROSINT increases the response to oral anticoagulant therapy. Therefore, a decrease in the dose of anticoagulant may be warranted with correction of the hypothyroid state or when the TIROSINT dose is increased. Closely monitor coagulation tests to permit appropriate and timely dosage adjustments. Digitalis Glycosides TIROSINT may reduce the therapeutic effects of digitalis glycosides. Serum digitalis glycoside levels may decrease when a hypothyroid patient becomes euthyroid, necessitating an increase in the dose of digitalis glycosides. Antidepressant Therapy Concurrent use of tricyclic (e.g., amitriptyline) or tetracyclic (e.g., maprotiline) antidepressants and TIROSINT may increase the therapeutic and toxic effects of both drugs, possibly due to increased receptor sensitivity to catecholamines. Toxic effects may include increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and central nervous system stimulation. TIROSINT may accelerate the onset of action of tricyclics. Administration of sertraline in patients stabilized on TIROSINT may result in increased TIROSINT requirements. Ketamine Concurrent use of ketamine and TIROSINT may produce marked hypertension and tachycardia. Closely monitor blood pressure and heart rate in these patients. Sympathomimetics Concurrent use of sympathomimetics and TIROSINT may increase the effects of sympathomimetics or thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones may increase the risk of coronary insufficiency when sympathomimetic agents are administered to patients with coronary artery disease. Tyrosine-Kinase Inhibitors Concurrent use of tyrosine-kinase inhibitors such as imatinib may cause hypothyroidism. Closely monitor TSH levels in such patients. |
Is Available Generically |
Yes. There is a therapeutically equivalent version of Tirosint available under the generic name Levothyroxine. |
Is Proprietary |
Yes |
Label Details |
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/021924s013lbl.pdf |
Legal Status |
Legal.
Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act. |
Manufacturer |
Institut Biochimique SA (IBSA) |
Maximum Intake |
200 to 300 mcg/day |
Mechanism of Action |
Levothyroxine is a synthetically prepared levo-isomer of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4, a tetra-iodinated tyrosine derivative) that acts as a replacement in deficiency syndromes such as hypothyroidism. T4 is the major hormone secreted from the thyroid gland and is chemically identical to the naturally secreted T4: it increases metabolic rate, decreases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) production from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, and, in peripheral tissues, is converted to T3. Thyroxine is released from its precursor protein thyroglobulin through proteolysis and secreted into the blood where is it then peripherally deiodinated to form triiodothyronine (T3) which exerts a broad spectrum of stimulatory effects on cell metabolism. T4and T3 have a relative potency of ~1:4.
Thyroid hormone increases the metabolic rate of cells of all tissues in the body. In the fetus and newborn, thyroid hormone is important for the growth and development of all tissues including bones and the brain. In adults, thyroid hormone helps to maintain brain function, food metabolism, and body temperature, among other effects. The symptoms of thyroid deficiency relieved by levothyroxine include slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry thick skin and unusual sensitivity to cold. The thyroid hormones have been shown to exert both genomic and non-genomic effects. They exert their genomic effects by diffusing into the cell nucleus and binding to thyroid hormone receptors in DNA regions called thyroid hormone response elements (TREs) near genes. This complex of T4, T3, DNA, and other coregulatory proteins causes a conformational change and a resulting shift in transcriptional regulation of nearby genes, synthesis of messenger RNA, and cytoplasmic protein production. For example, in cardiac tissues T3 has been shown to regulate the genes for α- and β-myosin heavy chains, production of the sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins calcium-activated ATPase (Ca2+-ATPase) and phospholamban, β-adrenergic receptors, guanine-nucleotide regulatory proteins, and adenylyl cyclase types V and VI as well as several plasma-membrane ion transporters, such as Na+/K+–ATPase, Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, and voltage-gated potassium channels, including Kv1.5, Kv4.2, and Kv4.3. As a result, many cardiac functions including heart rate, cardiac output, and systemic vascular resistance are closely linked to thyroid status. The non-genomic actions of the thyroid hormones have been shown to occur through binding to a plasma membrane receptor integrin aVb3 at the Arg-Gly-Asp recognition site. From the cell-surface, T4 binding to integrin results in down-stream effects including activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK; ERK1/2) and causes subsequent effects on cellular/nuclear events including angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation. |
Non Proprietary Name |
Levothyroxine sodium |
Overdosage |
The signs and symptoms of overdosage are those of hyperthyroidism. In addition, confusion and disorientation may occur. Cerebral embolism, shock, coma, and death have been reported. Seizures occurred in a 3-year-old child ingesting 3.6 mg of levothyroxine. Symptoms may not necessarily be evident or may not appear until several days after ingestion of levothyroxine sodium.
Reduce the TIROSINT dose or discontinue temporarily if signs or symptoms of overdosage occur. Initiate appropriate supportive treatment as dictated by the patient’s medical status. |
Pregnancy Category |
AU TGA pregnancy category A: Drugs which have been taken by a large number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age without any proven increase in the frequency of malformations or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the fetus having been observed.US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out. |
Pregnancy Warning |
Use is considered acceptable.
Risk Summary: No increased rates of major birth defects or miscarriages have been reported with use during pregnancy; untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy is associated with risks to the mother and fetus. Thyroid replacement therapy should not be discontinued during pregnancy; hypothyroidism diagnosed during pregnancy should be promptly treated. Animal studies have not been conducted. There is a long history of using this drug in pregnant women and this experience has not shown increased rates of fetal malformations, miscarriages or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Hypothyroidism during pregnancy is associated with a higher rate of complications, including spontaneous abortion, pre-eclampsia, stillbirth and premature delivery. Maternal hypothyroidism may have an adverse effect on fetal neurocognitive development. Pregnant women taking this drug should have their TSH measured during each trimester and dose adjusted as appropriate. Patients will generally return to their pre-pregnancy dose after delivery. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. |
Prescribing Info |
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/021924s013lbl.pdf |
Prescription Status |
Prescription drug |
Proprietary Name |
Tirosint |
Related Drugs |
Tiratricol, Liothyronine |
RxCUI |
728656 |
Warning |
Cardiac adverse reactions in the elderly and in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease: Initiate TIROSINT at less than the full replacement dose because of the increased risk of cardiac adverse reactions, including atrial fibrillation.Myxedema coma: Do not use oral thyroid hormone drug products to treat myxedema coma.Acute adrenal crisis in patients with concomitant adrenal insufficiency: Treat with replacement glucocorticoids prior to initiation of TIROSINT treatment.Prevention of hyperthyroidism or incomplete treatment of hypothyroidism: Proper dose titration and careful monitoring is critical to prevent the persistence of hypothyroidism or the development of hyperthyroidism.Worsening of diabetic control: Therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus may worsen glycemic control and result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Carefully monitor glycemic control after starting, changing, or discontinuing thyroid hormone therapy.Decreased bone mineral density associated with thyroid hormone overreplacement: Over-replacement can increase bone resorption and decrease bone mineral density. Give the lowest effective dose. |
Links:
https://tirosint.com/
https://www.drugs.com/cons/Tirosint.html
https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00451
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7a7ade79-0165-4e31-b84e-667416c00c7e